A disappointing 2015 season now in the rear view mirror, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is preparing for a potentially huge comeback in 2016.
“Aaron is as dedicated as I’ve ever seen him,” one offensive teammate told Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report. “He’s always dedicated but even more now. I think he’s going to have a career year.”
Rodgers’ “down” year in 2015 included 31 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, but the two-time MVP quarterback did set new career lows in completion percentage (60.7), yards per attempt (6.7) and passer rating (92.7). His passer rating dropped by almost 20 points from 2014, when he finished second in the NFL at 112.2.
A slew of injuries at receiver and along the offensive line handcuffed the Packers’ annually explosive and productive offense. Even Rodgers couldn’t save the group, which finished 15th in points scored, 23rd in total yards and 25th in passing yards.
But there’s plenty to be optimistic about in 2016.
Jordy Nelson is back from ACL surgery, Eddie Lacy lost weight during the offseason and athletic tight end Jared Cook signed in free agency. All the pieces seem to be in place for Rodgers to have another one of his monster seasons in 2016.
Rodgers’ best year probably came in 2011, when he threw for a career high 45 touchdowns and 4,643 yards as the defending Super Bowl champion Packers finished 15-1. He might not match those numbers in 2016, but a bounce back from the struggles of last season should be coming for one of the game’s best quarterbacks.
